Manchester is an artistic city, full of hugely talented people and a great energy, so it’s hardly surprising that it plays host to some amazing events. Book into a hotel in Manchester (you’ll find some great value central Manchester hotels here https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/book/manchester-hotels), and head to one of the festivals and events that this northern gem is hosting this year. A few great picks are:

Manchester International Festival

Held every other year the Manchester International Festival is a tremendous showcase for performing and visual arts, as well as pop culture. Some of the amazing acts seen here so far are Damon Albarn, Bjork’s three week Biophilia residency, Kenneth Brannagh’s Macbeth, Maxine Peake’s recital of Shelly’s The Masque of Anarchy and art works featured from the likes of Yoko Ono, Sarah Lucas and Richard Wentworth. Every act is an original and is produced by the festival itself, hence the fact that it’s held every other year as it allows for the amazing amount of work that goes into producing the festival, plus an international tour to places like Madrid and New York. It’s a truly unique event that simply has to be seen if you’re in Manchester when it’s on.

Manchester Day

Held in late June each year as a way to celebrate the diversity and creativity that Manchester represents, this is a wonderful event to witness. Being held on the 22nd of June this year, and with a theme for the parade of ‘Going Global’, it promises to be another memorable day out for all the family to enjoy. Last year there were around 2,400 people in the parade, including stilt walkers, dancers, clowns, bands, community groups, charities and school children. Add floats, great music and a fantastic atmosphere and you have the recipe for an amazing day.

Manchester Jazz Festival

For ten days in July, Manchester becomes home to the Manchester Jazz Festival. It features hundreds of musicians over numerous events, in several venues throughout the city and provides a fantastic showcase to contemporary jazz artists. You’ll see the likes of Anton Hunter, upcoming acts performing their very first live gigs and the hottest international jazz acts around. A particularly popular event during the festival is the MJF Afternoon Tea – enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at The Wyvern while listening to jazz in beautiful surroundings.

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Tatton Park comes alive with the stunning colours of every type of plant and flower you can imagine between the 23rd and 27th of July, as the RHS Flower Show descends upon it. Featuring four zones including Inspire, Escape, Feast and Grow, the RHS National Young Designer of the Year award, gardens themed around the four elements of earth, wind, fire and water, school gardens, cookery demonstrations and workshops, it promises to be yet another fantastic hit among its green-fingered visitors.

Manchester really does something for everyone in terms of entertainment and events, whether you’re visiting one of the festivals, the many farmers markets in Manchester and the surrounding area, or taking in a show at the Phones 4u Arena. You can enjoy the diversity of Manchester, whatever it is that piques your interest!